NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced on Thursday that Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic would replace injured Cleveland Cavaliers forward-centre Kevin Love in the February 18 All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

Melbourne 21-year-old Simmons received the third-highest number of fan votes for Eastern Conference guards but has repeatedly been overlooked.

NBA coaches first snubbed Simmons and went with veteran Washington Wizards guards John Wall and Bradley Beal, the Indiana Pacers' Victor Oladipo and the Toronto Raptors' Kyle Lowry.

Simmons misses out again after Love injury. Pic: Getty

When injury ruled Wall out the commissioner chose Detroit Pistons centre Andre Drummond as his replacement.

Simmons, in the midst of an historic rookie season for the Philadelphia 76ers, was considered a potential replacement for Love but Silver went with 10-year veteran Dragic, who is averaging 17 points, five assists and four rebounds a game for the Heat.

Simmons' stat line is better: the Australian averages 17 points, seven assists and eight rebounds a game and with five triple-doubles needs just one more to move into third all-time for rookies behind NBA legends Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson.

According to NBA rules, when an All-Star is unable to take part in the game the commissioner selects a replacement from the same conference.

Love, Dragic and Simmons play for Eastern Conference teams.

Rookies are often snubbed for the All-Star game. Many coaches, players and media members believe players need more than one season before earning their berth.